A much-loved bakery has announced it will be closing after 10 years.

Elles Belles Bakehouse will close its doors for the final time in Ashford this year.

The bakery, which offers specialist delivery and collection services, will be closing permanently on Christmas Eve.

Owner Elle broke the news on Instagram, saying that rising costs – including petrol, ingredients and energy – played "a significant part" in the decision.

"This has not been an easy decision, but it is definitely the right one," she added.

"I'm sure lots of you will say 'put your prices up", but at this point a price increase of 50p or £5 won't be enough to keep the business going in today's world.

"It's not just running the business that's getting more expensive, it's the cost of living and I am unable to pay myself a decent wage to cover personal expenses.

"I always refer to the business as 'us' and 'we' but honestly, it's just "me'. I am extremely lucky to have very supportive friends and family that enable me to make it seem like there's a 'we' and I owe so much to my incredible fiancé Alex, without him and his creative genius I have no idea how the business would look or even exist."

Until the final closure on December 24, the bakehouse – which operates out of the Coachworks development – will continue accepting celebration cake orders through its website.

There will also be pop-ups planned, while any wedding cakes booked in for next year will be honoured as planned.

Elle added: "It has been a joy and an honour to create so many bakes for you over the last decade.

"Thank you so much to everyone who has ever queued, pre-ordered, sold us out, come back time and time again for celebration cakes, chosen to have my cakes be a part of your weddings and sent the most wonderful feedback.

"A lot of tears have been shed over this decision, but now it's time to look forward to the next chapter in my life and have a fresh start!"